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The following verses (part of today’s set text), from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians 5:14-21, are really worth your time thinking about (NIV): ” … For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for themand was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I’ve highlighted the bits I like – I think it’s so fantastic to know that Jesus does not count our sins – against us.

Selwyn continues his discussion on what it means to fully surrender our ‘self’ to God. And, it’s an on-going surrender – it’s something we have to constantly review to make sure that nothing of our self, is plotting to undermine our 100% allegiance to God.

Consequently, I think the example Selwyn gives in his conclusion, is one worth following: “One person I know explains how he maintains a continuous attitude of surrender. ‘I begin every day by spending some time sitting in God’s presence. After studying His Word, I invite Him to show me if there are any barriers preventing His grace coming through. Mostly nothing is shown me, and by faith I take it that the doors of my soul are open to Him.

Sometimes He does show me a hindrance, fear or jealousy. I repent and ask for forgiveness, resolve to put things right, and, after a time of intercession, I go out into the day, serene and secure.’ “

The main point is that we should have some, regular way of maintaining a continuous attitude of surrender – prayer is always involved; as is, the daily process of living for Him.

Selwyn makes another good point in today’s study – the nature of our relationship with God – is continuous. It’s a relationship that must be evident for every moment of our lives, and not reserved for just a few hours on a Sunday.

If you only seek God’s involvement in your life, for a short time, once a week; then how deep can that type of relationship be?

Selwyn introduces today’s study with these words: “We talked yesterday about the need for repentance and surrender when we feel ourselves lacking in spiritual power. It is important to point out that surrender is not once-and-for-all; surrender must be continuous. … Surrender is done, and yet it is never done – it is continual yielding. … In our relationship with Christ … we surrender and keep on surrendering.”

As Paul says in his letter to the Romans (12: 1, NLT):“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

The giving of ourselves to God – is a living sacrifice: as we live each day, so too, we offer ourselves for God’s service – each and every day. Every moment of every day is lived, following Jesus – it is total and continuous surrender – there can be no exceptions. His love for us is so great that He always provides assistance to enable us in our daily sacrifice. We also have the promise that He will never ask us to do anything that is impossible (for His Spirit to achieve through us), nor will He overwhelm us with burdens. [Matthew 11:29-30: “ … Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”